Life Sciences Commons^™

Deciphering The Role Of Mitochondrial Physiology And Thermal Acclimation In Shaping Whole Organismal Performance Of An Invasive Forest Pest, Essa Alrashdi

Masters Theses

Environmental factors such as temperature are substantial determinants of the spongy moth, L. dispar, distribution, reproduction, and growth. Accumulating energy reserves at the larval stage is particularly important to L. dispar, since the larvae metamorphose into a fully-grown, non-feeding adult. As non-feeding adults, the energy balance of the pupae must be adequate, to ensure enough energy reserves for adult dispersal, egg maturation and overall persistence of the species in the region. At this stage, environmental temperature also determines daily metabolic demands, and the overall cost of sustaining ecologically relevant activities. Various hypotheses describing a mismatched growth and metabolic …

Seasonal Temperature Changes In Three Midwestern Wastewater Streams And The Effects On Fish Assemblages And Physiology, Ryan William Sparks

Masters Theses

Midwestern United States undergo extreme temperature and precipitation fluctuations throughout the year, which leads to changing habitats within Illinois river systems. Wastewater treatment facilities have long been used to treat sewage and reduce the organic products in sewage before releasing it into aquatic environments. Wastewater treatment facilities must maintain optimal conditions, especially temperature, for reproduction and growth of facilitated bacteria that break down organic materials in wastewater. The objectives for this study were to determine the thermal effects of wastewater treatment facilities on receiving waters; and secondly, to investigate the influence of these wastewater facilities on fish abundance and assemblages. …

Seasonal Variation In Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Of The Bluegill Sunfish, Lepomis Macrochirus, From A Shallow Midwest River, Derick Isaac Lamptey

Masters Theses

As average global temperature increase, the frequency and magnitude of extreme temperatures in shallow aquatic ecosystems are more ubiquitous. In order to understand how these changing thermal regimes affect aquatic ectotherms, it is essential to develop studies evaluating the response of ectotherms to seasonal fluctuating thermal regimes. Previous studies on fluctuating temperature regimes have reported an increased physiological stress leading to morphological, behavioral and biochemical adaptations. From the latter, the adaptive capacity and seasonal performance associated with optimal function of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) are key for species persistence. However, studies on this matter are scarce. This study explores …

The Effects Of Two Different Sports Drinks On Rpe And Finishing Speed Of An Endurance Run In Highly Trained Distance Runners, Matthew J. Feldhake

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a protein-containing sport drink with a traditional non-protein sport drink has on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and finishing speed of an half marathon. Of the possible factors that would support including protein in a sport drink the primary one was its inhibitory effect on serotonin release in the brain. This could help attenuate perceived exertion, thus allowing individuals to compete at a higher level for longer durations (Davis, Alderson, & Welsh, 2000).

This study was conducted using nine members of the Eastern Illinois University Men's Cross Country team. …

Impact Of Temperature Increase On Freshwater Fish Species: Energetics And Muscle Mechanics Of Two Centrarchids, Israt Jahan

Masters Theses

Fishes have evolved physiologically to live within a specific range of environmental variation and existence outside of that range can be stressful or fatal. These ranges can coincide for fishes that evolved in similar habitats. This study investigates physiological processes limiting thermal tolerance, specifically how changes in water temperature affect the swimming energetics and muscle mechanics in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). I focused on the impact of temperature change at the muscle level in these two species and the capacity to adapt to rapid changes in the environment. Fish were housed at …

The Role Of Creg1 As A Master Regulator Of Liver Function, Abdulrahman Siran Aldaghmi

Masters Theses

The liver is known as the chemical factory of the body because it performs a wide range of biochemical functions required for life. Since the liver has such an important role in regulation of normal physiological processes, liver diseases cause a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of liver development will shed light on the causes of liver disease. In this study, a cell line model that utilizes rat hepatoma cells (Fg14) and hepatoma variant cells (H11) was used to identify master regulators of liver gene expression. Whole genome expression studies identified the gene CREG1 (Cellular …

The Effects Of Limb Dominance On Cross-Education In A Four Week Resistance Training Program, Caitlin Wend

Masters Theses

Cross-education is known as the phenomenon of strength transfer from the trained side of the body to the untrained side of the body by unilateral resistance training. Research has shown that limb dominance has an effect on the amount of strength that is gained on the untrained side. Studies have found that there is a greater cross over effect in strength from the dominant side of the body to the non-dominant side of the body than vice versa. The present study examined this effect by taking 12 college females and splitting them into three groups: dominant training, non-dominant training, and …

The Influence Of Different Pre-Exercise Routines On Sprint Performance, Rok Mravljak

Masters Theses

Sprint performance can be enhanced by interventions for short-term (acute) purposes and/or long-term purposes. Acute neuromuscular responses are usually achieved by using different pre-exercise routines at the end of the warm-up period. Recently, there have been several studies examining the effects of various pre-exercise routines on sprint performance, yet there has not been a research study designed that compared the three most commonly used pre-exercise routines in professional and recreational sports (static stretching, dynamic stretching and foam-rolling). Therefore, this study investigated and compared the results of static stretching, dynamic stretching, self-myofascial release and the control group, in order to provide …

Metabolic And Morphologic Shifts In Neuro2a Cells Cultured In Galactose Medium, Leah Welker

Masters Theses

It has been observed that highly-proliferating cells, such as cancer cells, rely mainly on glycolysis for ATP production, regardless of presence of oxygen. This effect, however, can be reversed by changing the main energy substrate in the medium from glucose to galactose. The oxidation of galactose in glycolysis yields less net ATP, presumably forcing the cell into OXPHOS. This has been established in many cell lines, including HeLA, HepG2, and skeletal muscle cells. As of yet, this has not been reproduced in neuronal cells. Using Neuro2a, a murine neuroblastoma cell line, this study exposes neuronal cells to galactose medium, and …

Effects Of 17Β Estradiol In The Metabolism And Morphology Of Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis Macrochirus), Neeta Parajulee Karki

Masters Theses

Fish natural habitats are increasingly contaminated with various estrogenic compounds, including 17β estradiol (E2). This compound causes adverse effects on the reproductive system of male fish; however, the effects of E2 on other aspects of fish metabolism, morphology and histopathological changes in internal organs are not well known. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of E2 exposure on the basal and stressed metabolic rate, morphological changes in body shapes, and histological changes in the liver tissues of sunfish species. Fish were held individually in ten gallon tanks under two treatments of 40 and 80 ng/L and …

D-Galactose Decreases Mitoneet Levels In Liver Cancer Cells: Impact On Cellular Bioenergetics, Sudip Paudel

Masters Theses

Galactose is a simple sugar that at supraphysiological concentrations accelerates aging and age-related complications, which lead to impaired mitochondrial functions. MitoNEET is a small mitochondrial membrane protein with a molecular mass of 12.2 kDa that functions in diabetes, iron metabolism, regulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. MitoNEET knockdown increases cellular respiration rates and ROS levels similar to galactose treatment. Pioglitazone, an antidiabetic drug, binds to mitoNEET and ameliorates galactose toxicity. Cellular mitoNEET levels, exposure of cells to galactose medium, and pioglitazone treatment directly influence cellular respiration. To elucidate the role of mitoNEET in galactose induced …

The Effects Of Theophylline And 8-Cyclopentyltheophylline On The Respiratory Response To Carbon Dioxide In Neonatal Rats, Christine E. Albers

Masters Theses

Premature infants are often plagued with respiration problems ranging from periodic breathing to apnea. These respiratory complications can be a result of underdeveloped respiratory organs, immaturity of the brainstem respiratory control center, genetic irregularities, or a combination of all three. This study sought to increase respiration with the administration of methylxanthines, which are respiratory stimulants, coupled with carbon dioxide (CO₂), also a respiratory stimulant. Neonatal rats aged 4 to 7 days old were used to mimic premature infants' response to the interaction of methylxanthines and CO₂. Before beginning the respiratory studies, sections of a 4- and …

Eccentric Resistance Training And Blood Flow Restriction, Zachary Pope

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscular strength and hypertrophic response following a four week training intervention involving resistance exercise utilizing only eccentric muscle contractions with, or without blood flow restriction (BFR), as well as a control group maintaining their current training regimen. Sixteen young male volunteers were recruited to participate in this study. Prior to the training intervention, subjects attended three sessions in order to obtain demographic information (age, height, body mass) and familiarize each of the participants with the testing and training equipment. After the familiarization session, muscular strength was assessed via elbow flexion one …

The Effects Of Strength Training On The Bone Mineral Density Of Aerobically Trained Perimenopausal Women, Jill Marie Kowalski

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a strength training program has an effect on the bone mineral density of aerobically trained perimenopausal women. The study also hoped to determine if high intensity strength training with low repetitions will result in a greater increase in bone density as compared with low intensity strength training with high repetitions. The duration of the study was six months.

The participants were twenty-five aerobically trained perimenopausal female volunteers. They were randomly selected to be in one of three groups. Group 1 was the aerobic control where the participants continued with their aerobic …

The Effect Of Two States Of Hydration On Muscular Endurance In Men, Melissa L. Petrucci

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two states of hydration has an effect on muscular endurance in men. Two groups of four men randomly assigned to each group participated in both states of hydration. Both groups were tested at baseline for height, weight, intra- and extra-cellular water, total body water, and a one-repetition maximum strength test. Subjects were then tested after a 24 hour period of water deprivation, and after a 24 hour period of normal water intake (8 ten oz glasses of water). A urine specific gravity test, intra- and extra-cellular water, total body …

A Comparison Of Nutritional Knowledge, Eating Attitudes, Training Regimens, And Body Composition Between Normal And Abnormal Menstruating Female Adolescent Cross Country Athletes, Dena Maureen Block

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare factors that may influence menstrual irregularities of female adolescent high school cross-country runners, ranging from 13-18 years of age. A survey was utilized to determine the subjects age, year in school, exercise history, menstrual history, and training regimens and where the subjects sought nutritional information. The groups were separated according to their current menstrual status. One group (normal) consisted of subjects who currently had a normal menstrual cycle for at least one year (n=17), while the other group (abnormal) (n=18) experienced an irregular menstrual cycle.

A twenty item questionnaire was administered to …

The Influence Of Environmental Ph And Bicarbonate Concentration On The Excretion Of Nitrogenous Waste Products In Two Species Of Freshwater Teleost, Paul D. Fabsits

Masters Theses

The catabolism of amino acids derived from dietary protein results in the production of ammonia and bicarbonate ion, waste products that an animal must eliminate. Often, animals excrete a nitrogenous waste product that is correlated with water availability: Freshwater fish, living where water is abundant, usually excrete ammonia while terrestrial animals excrete urea or uric acid. Recent studies report that fish inhabiting alkaline waters (pH 10) characterized by high bicarbonate concentrations do not excrete ammonia, instead synthesize urea, an energetically expensive process. The conversion to urea excretion by a normally ammonotelic animal is likely to be stimulated by a specific …

Frequency Of Attainment Of Plateau In Maximal Oxygen Consumption In Differentially Trained Athletes, Jeffrey Michael Seda

Masters Theses

A plateau in oxygen consumption during exercise testing has been considered a requisite indicator of achievement of true maximal oxygen consumption. The wide range of reported percentages of subjects revealing a plateau (7 to 80 percent) indicates that closer analysis of factors that may influence plateau attainment is necessary. This study examined the frequency of plateau attainment in two groups of differentially trained subjects. One group (TR) of 12 males (ages 18-36) were trained runners and the other group (WL) of 12 males (ages 18-31) consisted of trained weight lifters. The subjects participated in a series of maximal exercise tests …

Can Critical Power Predict And Monitor Swimming Performance?, Michelle L. Stoppenhagen-Noll

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if critical power (CP) can be used to predict and monitor swimming performance. Fifteen female collegiate swimmers from Eastern Illinois University volunteered as subjects for this study. CP was measured on an arm ergometer. Freestyle performances in the 50 and 100 yard distances were also measured. All three tests were measured both pre- and post-season. Results indicated that CP can predict performance in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle swims. Those with higher CP will swim faster. CP can monitor improvement in 50 yard times. CP is not a good indicator of …

An Electromyographic Study Of Forward Vs Retrograde Stair Climbing On The Stairmaster 4000 Pt Machine, W. Lynette Rasmussen Thornburgh

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate, through electromyography, whether forward or retrograde stair climbing on the StairMaster 4000 PT machine demonstrates a greater muscle contraction duration, differences in intensity of muscle contractions, or variation in initiation of muscle contractions. The muscles examined were the Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, and Biceps Femoris. A gender difference was also evaluated.

Twenty-one subjects apparently healthy volunteered for this study. There were two groups of ten male subjects and eleven female subjects. Subjects were assigned to subgroups according to gender. The subgroups determined which position the subject was tested in first.

The descriptive …

A Comparison Between Physiological And Perceived Exertion During Maximal And Submaximal Treadmill Exercise At Three Menstrual Cycle Phases, Kathleen M. Mccune

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in physiological and subjective perceived exertion levels at maximal and submaximal treadmill exercise between three phases of the menstrual cycle in eumennorheic women.

Nine females of varying fitness levels were subjects in the study. None of the subjects were using oral contraception or hormone altering medications at the time of the study.

The subjects performed three separate maximal graded exercise tests (GXT) using the Balke protocol. During each GXT, oxygen uptake (VO₂), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory quotient (RQ), rate of perceived exertion, and total time …

The Effect Of Horseback Riding Activity On The Tibialis Anterior, Vastus Lateralis, And Rectus Abdominis Of A Paraplegic, Laurie A. Price

Masters Theses

Horses are now being used in various programs under various conditions. The use of horses for therapy and recreation for the physically and mentally disabled first began in Germany and Switzerland. The United States now has many schools and different riding programs as well.

Riding seems to be especially beneficial to those with neurological impairments. Treatment of paraplegia is very limited but recreational activities are advancing. The use of the horse is beneficial for paraplegics emotionally as well as physically. Measurements and evaluations of these benefits are lacking. This project analyzes and measures the physical benefits of horseback riding on …

The Accuracy Of A Post-Exercise Heart Rate Determined By Electronic Monitoring And Radial Artery Palpation Following Swimming Exercise, Jonathan Kevin Kessel

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate through electronic monitoring whether immediate post-exercise heart rates determined in an erect position are an accurate representation of heart rates achieved during swimming exercises performed in the prone position. In addition, a comparison was made to determine what differences, if any, existed between immediate post-exercise heart rates determined by radial palpation and immediate recovery heart rates determined by electronic monitoring.

Fourteen male and four female members of the Eastern Illinois University Swim Program volunteered to be subjects.

Each of the subjects swam eight lengths of the pool (200 yds.) at approximately 60-70 …

Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Electromyographic, And Rpe Responses To Isotonic Versus Isokinetic Exercise Performed On The Monark And Fitron Bicycle Ergometers, Patrice Annette Keil

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if any differences exist in relative efficiency of the subjects when riding a Monark bicycle ergometer as compared to a Fitron bicycle ergometer ridden at the same work rate. This efficiency was determined from levels of oxygen consumption, exercise heart rates, ratings of perceived exertion, blood pressure, and electromyographic recordings of four right leg muscles during exercise bouts on the two different bicycle ergometers.

Seventeen apparently healthy male subjects aged 42 to 78 years performed two tests, one on the Monark bicycle ergometer and one on the Fitron bicycle ergometer. Each test …

The Effect Of Caloric Restriction And Exercise On Plasma Lipid And Lipoprotein Concentration, Jeffrey J. Zachwieja

Masters Theses

The independent and combined effects of exercise training and caloric restriction on the plasma concentration of lipid and lipoprotein was studied. Thirty-two female volunteers were assigned to one of three treatment groups; exercise only, diet only or diet plus exercise. The exercise only group participated in a walk/jog program three days per week. For 30 to 45 minutes these individuals either walked or jogged at a intensity which elicited a heart rate that was 70% of the max heart rate reserve. The diet only group participated in a behavior modification weight loss program which restricted caloric intake to 1200 kcals …

Steady State Oxygen Cost Of Arm Ergometry Using The Monark Rehab Trainer, Gregory R. Grazen

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine the steady state oxygen cost of arm crank ergometry with the Monark Rehab Trainer, a device used for exercise training in many cardiac rehabilitation programs. Fifteen male (25.2 yrs. ± 4.1) and fifteen female (23.8 yrs. ± 4.0) subjects were tested in the seated position with the mid-point of the crank wheel adjusted to shoulder height. No attempt was made to stabilize the shoulder girdle, as this is typically not done when training with this device. The test protocol for both groups consisted of progressive three minute work stages followed by a thirty second …

Menstrual Cycle Effects On Blood Pressure, Body Weight And Heart Rates During Rest, Exercise And Recovery On College Athletes, Dawn J. Shutter

Masters Theses

Ten members of the Eastern Illinois University women's track team were used as subjects to determine the relationship of body weight, blood pressure and heart rate during rest, exercise and recovery to menstruation.

The subjects were tested on two different occasions. The first test was administered within twenty-four hours of the onset of menstruation. The second test was conducted seven days later. During both testing periods blood pressure, body weight and resting heart rate measurements were taken before beginning the treadmill protocol (progressive grade and speed increases up to 4% and 8 mph, respectively). The subjects ran on a motor …

A Cardiovascular Exercise Program For A Paraplegic Amputee, Roger D. Wells

Masters Theses

The intent of the study was to establish a ten week cardiovascular exercise program for a paraplegic amputee and evaluate the effects through a selected battery of physiological tests and measurements. Included were body weight, skinfold thickness, reaction time, grip strength, static and dynamic lung volumes, heart rate, blood pressure, resting VO2 and maximum VO2. A careful training record was kept and the subject also made observations concerning his feelings about the training.

The subject, D.L.W. was a 37 year old male faculty member at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. He was given a complete physical examination and a …

The Effect Of Walk Or Jog Recovery From Anaerobic Work On Blood Lactate Levels And Subsequent Two-Minute Run Performance, Rick Alan Livesey

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a walk or jog recovery on two-minute run performances and the concentrations of blood lactate.

Eight highly trained male subjects were selected from the Eastern Illinois University Track Team. The test procedure consisted of two, maximal two-minute runs on the track for distance, separated by a 30-minute recovery. The recovery consisted of a walk at 20-minutes per mile pace or a jog at 7½ to 8 minutes per mile pace. Venous blood samples were drawn three minutes after the first run, two minutes prior to the second run, and …

The Relationship Between Oxygen Debt Size And Blood Ph Change During Recovery From Exercise On The Bicycle Ergometer And Treadmill, Timothy J. Falconer

Masters Theses

It was the purpose of this study to investigate the relationship of oxygen debt and blood pH change during the recovery from exercise.

For this study, ten male members of the Eastern Illinois University track team were chosen as subjects on the basis of their levels of physical condition.

The subjects were tested on three different occasions. The first test for all subjects was a fifteen minute resting oxygen consumption. Then depending upon random selection, the subjects ran on a treadmill and on another test day rode a bicycle ergometer, or vice versa. Preceding each exercise a pre-exercise micro-blood sample …